Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey to enter 2014 NFL draft

Ka'Deem Carey is projected by many as the top running back in the 2014 NFL draft class. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

If you are an NFL team in need of a running back, this is the draft for you. Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey is headed to the NFL, capping off a season in which he compiled 2,058 total yards and 20 touchdowns.

Carey had 169 yards and two scores in Arizona's 42-19 win over Boston College in the Advocare V100 Bowl, and he rushed for at least 100 yards in every game he played in this season, helping Rich Rodriguez and the Wildcats go 8-5.

"My time playing football for Arizona will always be very special to me and I want to thank the fans and the Tucson community for supporting me throughout my career," [Carey said.] "The future of Arizona football is bright. Bear Down.”

Yahoo! Sports' Rand Getlin writes that the Pac-12 offensive player of the year, had a first-round grade from "at least two teams." Even if the junior slides with all the other talented runners on the board, it made a lot of sense for Carey to come out this year with the workload he has put in during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Carey averaged 326 carries in each of the past two years.

Arizona also loses quarterback B.J. Denker to graduation, so Rodriguez will have a lot of work to do to keep the Wildcats' offense humming in 2014.